Hazen hasn't had much luck against Beulah recently, but that could start to change on Friday. The Bison will look to defend their home field against the Miners at 4:30 p.m. Each of these teams will be battling to keep a three-game winning streak alive.
Seven must be Hazen's lucky number: they beat Turtle Lake-Mercer with that score not once but twice on Thursday. The Bison beat the Trojans by the very same score they won with in their prior game: 7-5.
Ava Jungers made a splash no matter where she played. She pitched seven innings while giving up just two earned (and three unearned) runs off six hits. Jungers was also big at the plate, going 2-for-3 with two runs.
In other batting news, Elliot Myklebust and Devin Weisz did most of the damage at the plate: Myklebust went 2-for-4 with two RBI and one run, while Weisz got on base in three of her four plate appearances with two RBI and one run. Mattea Hysjulien was another key player, going 2-for-3 with one run.
Beulah came out on top against Heart River co-op [Belfield/South Heart] on Thursday thanks in part to the team's impressive nine-run second inning. The Miners were the clear victors by a 13-1 margin over the Cougars. Considering the Miners have won ten matchups by more than six runs this season, Thursday's blowout was nothing new.
Like Hazen, Beulah also got a great game from a two-way player: Addie Dale-Geiger. She looked comfortable on the mound, keeping things locked down with no earned runs or hits while striking out ten over seven innings pitched. Dale-Geiger has been nothing but reliable: she hasn't given up more than two walks in seven consecutive appearances. She was also stellar in the batter's box, going 3-for-5 with one home run, four RBI, and two runs. That's the most RBI she has posted over her last nine contests.
In other batting news, Beulah let Clara Hager and Jayda Remboldt run wild. Hager went a perfect 2-for-2 with two runs, one stolen base, and one RBI, while Remboldt went 2-for-4 with three runs and one double. Those three runs gave Remboldt a new career-high. Another player making a difference was Peyten Horning, who got on base in three of her four plate appearances with one stolen base and one run.
Hazen's victory bumped their record up to 4-8. As for Beulah, their win bumped their record up to 14-5.
Friday's game will be a test for both teams' pitchers. Hazen hasn't had any issues making contact this season, having earned a batting average of .433. However, it's not like Beulah struggles in that department as they've averaged .346. With both teams so capable at the plate, fans should be ready for an impressive hitting performance.
Hazen suffered a grim 19-0 defeat to Beulah when the teams last played last Tuesday. Can the Bison avenge their defeat or is history doomed to repeat itself? We'll find out soon enough.
